Sputtering system for depositing thin film and method for depositing thin film

ABSTRACT

A device and a method of facing target sputtering are provided, which can easily change magnetic flux line patterns between facing targets, thereby enabling to conveniently perform a plurality of kinds of sputtering such as facing target sputtering with facing mode, facing target sputtering with mixed mode composed of facing mode and magnetron mode. Thus, the device and the method of facing target sputtering effective for each material is provided. The sputtering device for forming a thin film in which a pair of target holders  2  having targets  1  arranged thereon is provided so as to arrange targets faced to each other. A pole group including a plurality of pole elements having at least a different pole direction is arranged at the back side of the target holders opposite to surfaces on which the targets are arranged. The pole elements are any of a permanent magnet  4 , a yoke  7, 8  and an electromagnet  13  or a combination of them. The device includes magnetic flux-line pattern control means for changing magnetic flux-line pattern  5  between the targets faced to each other by moving at least part of the pole elements or changing at least either one of field intensity and direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention relates generally to a sputtering device for forming athin film which includes a single-layer and a multi-layer structure anda method for forming the thin film, which are indispensable forindustries of electronics, watches, machinery and optics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When manufacturing 1) an electronic material that is formed in astructure of a single-layer thin film and a multi-layer thin-film and 2)an electronic device that is application of the electronic material, asputtering device for forming a thin film under vacuum conditions issignificant. Methods of forming a thin film generally include vapordeposition, sputtering and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition). Above all,sputtering is widely used in various fields, because any materialregardless of substrate material can be safely deposited on thesubstrate with a comparatively simple device without using toxic gases.

A principle of sputtering is generally described hereinafter. Ions inplasma, generated in a vacuum chamber, impinge on a target so as tocause ejection of constituent atoms and molecules from the targetsurface, thereby forming a thin film with these constituent atoms andmolecules deposited on the substrate. The sputtering device is providedwith various types of configurations depending on an ionized gas as animpact ion source, generation methods of discharge plasma, types ofapplied power supply or electrode structures as shown in FIGS. 18 to 24.

Ion-beam sputtering shown in FIG. 18 introduces irradiation ionsgenerated in an ion chamber into a sputtering chamber where sputteringof a target is performed to deposit a thin film. Kaufman ion source witha thermal cathode type or an ECR (Electron Cyclotron Resonance) ionsource is employed depending on the methods of generating ions. Ineither case, sputtering is performed with an Ar ion beam, introduced andirradiated on a target. Even when pressure of discharge is as low as10⁻⁴ Torr or less, sputtering can be performed, and with smalldischarged gas incorporation into a thin film and a large kinetic energyof sputter particles, precise thin-film formation with superior surfacesmoothness can be achieved. However, the deposition rate of the thinfilm is disadvantageously low.

In sputtering shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, plasma ions, accelerated ina cathode fall region, impact a target to cause sputtering, and thussputtered particles are deposited on the facing substrate, forming athin film. In FIG. 20, a target unit 3, including a target 1 and atarget plate (target holder) 2, is shown. Direct current (DC) sputteringor alternate current (RF) sputtering is employed depending on theapplied power supply. Although device configuration is simple, 1) gaspressure introduced to cause plasma must be high due to low plasmaefficiency, thus gas incorporation into a thin film is high, 2)deposition rate of the thin film is eventually low due to low plasmaefficiency, 3) since high-energy γ electrons (secondary electrons),generated when ion gas impacts the target 1, hit a squarely facingsubstrate, temperature of the substrate goes up to several hundreddegrees (° C.) during deposition, 4) since the target 1 and thesubstrate are squarely facing, part of ions that impact the target 1directly hits the substrate (recoil ion), damage to the substrate andcompositional shift in multi-component film are disadvantageouslycaused.

Magnetron sputtering was devised to solve problems of two-polesputtering. FIG. 21 shows a view showing the principle of a typicalplanar magnetron sputtering. In FIG. 21, a magnet 4 with north pole 4(N)and south pole 4(S) is shown. Magnetic flux lines 5 are also shown.Direct current (DC) sputtering or alternate current (RF) sputtering isemployed depending on type of the applied power supply. As described intwo-pole sputtering, high-energy γ electrons generated when ion gasimpacts the target 1, hit an facing substrate, thereby principallycausing temperature rise in the substrate. However, the γ electrons playan important role in keeping the plasma discharge with ionized gas athigh energy. As shown in FIG. 21, the magnet 4 is arranged behind thetarget 4 to generate a curved magnetic field 5 such that γ electronsdischarged from the surface of the target 1 are confined near the targetsurface to increase the number of collision with atmospheric gas.Therefore, there are the following aspects: 1) improving plasmaefficiency by accelerating ionization of atmospheric gas (high-ratesputtering) and 2) restraining temperature rise in the substrate due toimpact of high-energy γ electrons to the substrate by a closed migrationpathway as shown in the drawing (low temperature sputtering). Witharrangement of magnetron, the problem of two-pole sputtering was greatlyremedied. However, since the substrate and the target 1 are squarelyfacing to each other, there is a possibility that part of the curvedmagnetic field reaches the substrate without closing, and thus 1)injection of γ electrons into the substrate and 2) injection of recoilions into the substrate cannot be completely restrained. Further, ifferromagnetic material is the target, the magnetic field of magnet goesthrough part of the ferromagnetic material, thereby preventing amagnetic field from being applied to the surface of the target 1 largelyenough to confine γ electrons. Therefore, low-temperature and high-speedsputtering of ferromagnetic material is disadvantageously difficult.However, planer magnetron sputtering, which enables formation of a thinfilm at a high-speed deposition rate with the comparatively simplestructure, is widely used.

Facing target sputtering (see patent literatures 2 and 3) shown in FIG.22 has been devised to overcome the problems of magnetron sputtering.Two targets 1 are faced to each other such that the magnets 4 withopposite poles are arranged at each back side of the targets. Thehigh-energy γ electrons released from the target surfaces in response toimpact of ionized atmospheric gas on the targets generate high-densityplasma confined between the facing targets. Since the substrate isplaced beside the facing targets outside of the plasma, γ electrons andrecoil ions are completely prevented from being injected into thesubstrate, and thus low temperature sputtering can be achieved. Withhigh-density plasma that confines γ electrons, atmospheric gas pressurecan be lowered (down to 10⁻² Pa) while performing the discharge andatmospheric gas incorporation into a thin film can be reduced.Therefore, low-temperature sputtering can be performedcharacteristically when ferromagnetic material is used as a target.Direct current (DC) sputtering or alternate current (RF) sputtering isavailable depending on the applied power supply.

However, when comparing FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, it can be found that themagnetic field 5 generated by the magnet 4 that is arranged at the rearsurface of the target is closed in the planar magnetron sputtering,while magnetic flux lines are closed in the conventional facing targetsputtering with opposite pole of magnets arranged between the targetsthat are facing to each other, as can be seen from the targets, themagnets at the rear surfaces of the targets and the appearance of themagnetic field lines in the conventional sputtering. However, asapparently shown in the drawings, the opposite surface of the magnetscannot form closed magnetic flux lines, and thereby leak of magneticflux lines occurs. The leak of magnetic field at the rear surface meansthat magnetic field is reduced by that amount between the facing targetsand the magnetic field generated by the magnet cannot be effectivelyguided to the facing targets, and therefore the magnets are not usedefficiently. To reduce the above effect, a thick iron yoke must beplaced behind poles opposite to the targets in order to reduce theleaked magnetic field, and thereby the overall structure becomesinevitably large. The magnetic field between the facing targets isrequired to be approximately 150 to 250 Oe (oersted). A neodymium magnetis used to generate a large magnetic field between the facing targetshowever, thickness of the magnet must be large enough to prevent themagnetic field from developing effectively in response to occurrence ofthe leaked magnetic field at the pole opposite to the targets asdescribed above. Further, since saturation magnetization of iron yoke islimited, the iron yoke, if it is made too much thin, is magneticallysaturated, and thus the magnetic field is leaked behind the iron yoke.The iron yoke for reducing leaked magnetic field is also required to bedesigned large in thickness. In the magnetron sputtering shown in FIG.21, the thickness of magnet and iron yoke can be reduced around 60 mmsince the magnetic field is closed both at front and back surfaces ofthe magnet, while in the conventional composed-mode composed-targetsputtering, the thickness of magnet and iron yoke eventually becomesaround 80 mm.

Although it is advantageous that damage is small, it is hard to obtainhigh deposition rate comparing to magnetron sputtering due to positionalrelation to the substrate, and therefore it is disadvantageous in viewof productivity. To increase the deposition rate, if applied power isincreased with respect to DC power supply for DC sputtering or AC powersupply for RF sputtering, plasma is likely to concentrate between thecenter portions of targets and thereby causing saturation phenomenon ofthe applied power and deposition rate cannot be increased due to thesaturation.

In contrast, in a facing target sputtering with mixed mode (see patentliterature 1) combining facing mode and magnetron mode as shown in FIG.23, the magnet 4 is arranged at the rear surface of the one target unit3 at the same position as the magnetron sputtering shown in FIG. 21,while the magnet 4 is arranged at the rear surface of another facingtarget unit 3 such that the opposite pole is arranged with respect tothe one magnet. A back yoke 6 is also shown. A curved magnetic field(magnetron mode) is formed on each of the target surfaces as in themagnetron sputtering, while a vertical magnetic field (facing mode) isformed between the facing targets due to opposite poles. Leak ofmagnetic flux lines outside of a target holder caused as a problem inthe facing mode facing target sputtering in FIG. 22 is resolved byformation of a closed magnetic circuit due to opposite poles as shown inFIG. 23, and thickness of the iron yokes can be sufficiently around thesame as in the magnetron sputtering, which is thinner than in the facingtarget sputtering. The positional relations between the substrate andthe facing two targets are the same as the facing target sputtering andthe magnetic field is configured hardly to be injected into thesubstrate, and thus a low-temperature sputtering can be realized.

In the mixed mode, with formation of magnetic field by the magnetronmode and the facing mode, saturation of deposition rate, caused byincreasing an applied power to sputtering only based on the facing mode,hardly occurs, and thus a significantly high deposition rate can beadvantageously obtained.

However, if the target 1 is ferromagnetic material as shown in FIG. 24,magnetic flux lines 5 of the magnet 4 go through part of theferromagnetic material and a curved magnetic field on the magnetron modeis hardly applied to the surface of the target, and thereby only thecomponent of vertical magnetic field on the facing mode is appliedthereto. A target 1 a of ferromagnetic material and weak magnetic fluxlines 5 a are shown in FIG. 24. If strength of magnets is the same, themagnetic field on the facing mode between ferromagnetic targets isreduced compared to facing target sputtering with facing mode as shownin FIG. 22 in proportion to buried curved magnetic field on themagnetron mode into the ferromagnetic target. A low-temperaturehigh-speed sputtering of ferromagnetic material with high-density plasmaconfining γ electrons is disadvantageous in performance compared to apure facing target sputtering with facing mode. It is found from theresults of magnetic field simulation that the vertical magnetic field ishalved in size compared to that in the case of the single facing modedue to the effect brought by formation of a loop magnetic field. Thisreduced vertical magnetic field will diminish the effect of confining γelectrons between the targets compared to the effect in the case of thesingle facing mode. In short, the mixed mode has more effect oflow-temperature sputtering than magnetron sputtering, however the effectis slightly less than the single facing mode.

Electronic elements or optical thin films are mostly formed in amultilayer film structure in recent years, and the multilayer filmstructure is required to be made without breaking vacuum conditions.And, the thin-film includes a variety of materials such as magneticmaterial, non-magnetic material, metal material, dielectric material,etc. When making the multi-layer film structure by using the facingtarget sputtering as shown in FIG. 23, facing target cathodescorresponding to each kind of film of the multilayer film are requiredto be arranged in parallel as shown in FIG. 25. Similarly, magnetroncathodes corresponding to each kind of film of the multilayer film arerequired to be arranged also in magnetron sputtering shown in FIG. 21.When making by sputtering the multilayer film structure including amixture of magnetic material, non-magnetic material, metal material,dielectric material, etc. in the same vacuum device, making selectiveuse of sputtering that is effective to each material is required toprovide a high-quality multilayer film structure. As described above,the low-temperature sputtering can be realized by the facing targetsputtering with facing mode shown in FIG. 22 and the facing targetsputtering with mixed mode shown in FIG. 23.

To make a multi-layer film structure with various kinds of materials,respectively different targets and sputtering conditions must beselected. Besides selection of the facing target sputtering shown inFIG. 22 or the magnetron sputtering shown in FIG. 21, a plurality oftargets corresponding to the number of film kinds of multilayer film areinevitably arranged in parallel as shown in FIG. 26 or the device withbox rotating targets as shown in FIG. 27 (see patent literature 4) mustbe provided.

Further, in recent years, a flexible device forming a transparentconductor on organic thin-film substrate is desired in a wide range ofareas including display elements represented by organic EL elements andsolar batteries. For this purpose, sputtering must be applied to anorganic thin-film substrate with thermal and physical susceptibilities.Therefore, so-called low-temperature sputtering technology, which causesno damage, is desired. Generally, this means a slow deposition at lowdeposition rate. On the other hand, however, a high-speed depositiontechnology is desired from a point of view of productivity.

If applied power is increased to perform a high-speed sputtering,deposition rate is increased. However, atoms and molecules from thetarget hit the substrate with a large kinetic energy, thereby causingdamage to the thin film and the substrate. More particularly, asdescribed above, if magnetron sputtering capable of high-speedsputtering is used, generated γ electrons and recoil gas (generallyargon gas) cause damage to the substrate, bring temperature rise in thesubstrate and cause incorporation of negative ions into the thin-filmlayer. A solution of these existing contradictory problems has beendesired.

In non-patent literature 1 and patent literature 5, when making atransparent conductive film on as-grown film, an initial growth layer isformed by the facing target sputtering and the remaining layers areformed by the magnetron sputtering. In either method of sputtering, avoltage is applied to perform sputtering with the target as a cathodeand the vacuum device side as an anode. The initial growth layer of thethin film is made with the facing target sputtering causing littledamage, while the remaining layers are made with magnetron sputteringthat may cause some damage but can secure high-speed deposition ratedepending on the existence of the initial growth layer, which canmitigate damage to as-grown layer. In this manner, a transparentconductive film is formed. A single chamber must accommodate twocathodes and a transfer device including cathodes of facing targetsputtering and a substrate transfer mechanism between cathodes ofmagnetron sputtering, and therefore the increase of chamber capacitycauses a problem.

PRIOR ARTS Patent Literature

-   Patent literature 1: Publication of Unexamined Patent Application    No. 2005-179716-   Patent literature 2: Publication of Unexamined Patent Application    No. Heisei 6-17248-   Patent literature 3: Publication of Unexamined Patent Application    No. Heisei 5-18291-   Patent literature 4: International Publication Pamphlet No.    2008/149635-   Patent literature 5: Publication of Unexamined Patent Application    No. 2007-39712

Non-Patent Literature

-   Non-patent literature 1: ULVACTECHNICAL JOURNAL NO. 64 (2004) pp    18-22

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

Facing target sputtering with facing mode is regarded as effectivemethods for ferromagnetic materials, and facing target sputtering withmixed mode is regarded as effective methods for non-ferromagneticmaterials. However, in the conventional facing target sputtering, it hasbeen very difficult to change magnetic flux-line patterns between thefacing targets though such changes may bring a significant advantage. Insuch a case, the whole magnets are required to be changed. Thissituation is the same as in magnetron sputtering. There has been noconcept of changing magnetic flux-line patterns in the same cathode ofthe same sputtering device according to the changes of materials forsputtering. When making by sputtering the multilayer film structureincluding a mixture of magnetic material, non-magnetic material, metalmaterial, dielectric material, etc. in the same vacuum device, makingselective use of sputtering that is effective to each material isrequired to provide a high-quality multilayer film structure. However,no device has been available to meet the request.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems,easily change the magnetic flux-line patterns between facing targets,conveniently select a plurality of sputtering such as facing targetsputtering with facing mode and facing target sputtering withmixed-mode, and thereby provide an facing target sputtering effective toeach material. Further, an object of the present invention is to providea device and a method to solve contradictory problems of low damage andhigh-speed deposition and perform sputtering in succession at aplurality of modes without transferring the substrate in a vacuumchamber.

Means for Solving the Problems

To solve the above problems, the present invention includes thefollowing configuration. A sputtering device for forming a thin film inwhich a pair of target holders having targets arranged thereon isprovided so as to arrange targets facing to each other, and a pole groupincluding a plurality of pole elements having at least different poledirections is arranged at the back side of the target holders oppositeto surfaces on which the targets are arranged, and the pole elements areany of a permanent magnet, a yoke and an electromagnet or a combinationof them, and the device includes magnetic flux-line pattern controlmeans for changing magnetic flux-line patterns between the targetsfacing to each other by moving at least part of the pole elements orchanging at least either one of field intensity and direction.

Further, the present invention includes the following configuration. Amethod of forming a thin film, wherein when forming a new thin film on asubstrate, a sputtering is performed with magnetic flux lines formed inaccordance with polarity between a pair of facing targets (facing mode),and a subsequent sputtering is performed with loop magnetic flux linesformed on each surface of a pair of facing targets while magnetic fluxlines are also formed between the facing targets (mixed mode).

Further, the present invention may preferably include the followingembodiment. Each of pole elements of the pole group is arranged suchthat pole directions are alternately different between pole elementsadjacent to each other.

Further, the present invention may preferably include the followingembodiment. The pole group includes pole elements with different poledirections, which are arranged in a concentric pattern.

Further, the present invention may preferably include the followingembodiment. The pole elements include at least a permanent magnet or ayoke, and magnetic flux-line patterns between the targets facing to eachother can be changed by moving a part or whole of a plurality of poleelements in said pole group.

Further, the present invention may preferably include the followingembodiment. The pole elements include at least a yoke and a magnet, andthe magnet is a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, and at least partof the yoke is movable, and the yoke can be moved apart from at leastone of the rear surface of the target holder and the magnet by moving atleast part of the yoke.

Further, the present invention may preferably include the followingembodiment. One end of the yoke is contacted with or proximate to therear surface of the target holder, and other end of the yoke ismagnetically connected to a magnetic pole of the magnet located at theopposite side of the rear surface of the target.

Further, the present invention may preferably include the followingembodiment. A magnetic flux-line patterns between the targets is a mixedmode when the yoke is proximate to at least one of the rear surface ofthe target holder and the magnet, and said magnetic flux-line patternsbetween the targets is an facing mode when the yoke is apart from atleast one of the rear surface of the target holder and the magnet.

Further, the present invention may preferably include the followingembodiment. The pole elements include at least an electromagnet and thesputtering device further includes a device configured to controldirection and strength of electric current so that at least one ofmagnetic polarity and its strength of the electromagnet can be changed.

In the above configuration, switching of modes is made by using anelectromagnet. That is, with an electromagnet, magnetic polarity ofmagnet can be reversed by changing direction of current followingthrough a coil so that the whole part including not only a permanentmagnet but an electromagnet can be in facing mode. Also, the whole partcan be in mixed mode. Furthermore, strength of each mode can be adjustedin response to various kinds of substrates and the best condition forthe material of thin film can be selected by changing energizationamount of the electromagnet coil.

Further, the present invention may preferably include the followingembodiment. The target holder includes two or more rotatable polygonalcolumn target holders with the axes of rotation arranged in the sameplane, and each of targets is placed on each surface of the targetholders and facing surfaces of targets can be created by rotating atleast one of each target holder.

Further, the present invention may preferably include the followingembodiment. The target holders are facing to each other as one moduleand one or more said modules are provided in a vacuum chamber.

Further, the present invention may preferably include the followingembodiment. In a method of forming a thin film, the thin film has amultilayer film structure, and when forming at least the lowest layer ofthe film in the multilayer film structure, a first sputtering isperformed in the facing mode and a subsequent sputtering is performed inthe mixed mode.

Further, the present invention may preferably include the followingembodiment. A method of forming a thin film using a sputtering devicefor forming a thin film wherein when forming a new thin film on asubstrate, a sputtering is performed by said magnetic flux-line patterncontrol means with magnetic flux lines formed in accordance withpolarity between a pair of facing targets (facing mode), thereby formingan initial growth layer, and a subsequent sputtering is performed bysaid magnetic flux-line pattern control means with loop magnetic fluxlines formed on each surface of a pair of facing targets while magneticflux lines are also formed between the facing targets (mixed mode).

Further, the present invention may preferably include the followingembodiment. A method of forming a thin film with multilayer filmstructure using a sputtering device for forming a thin film whereindifferent materials are used for each target of said polygonal columntarget holder, when forming at least the lowest layer in the multilayerfilm, a sputtering is performed by the magnetic flux-line patterncontrol means with magnetic flux lines formed in accordance withpolarity between a pair of facing targets (facing mode), thereby formingan initial growth layer, and a subsequent sputtering is performed bysaid magnetic flux-line pattern control means with loop magnetic fluxlines formed on each surface of a pair of facing targets while magneticflux lines are also formed between the facing targets (mixed mode),thereby completing formation of the thin film, and the polygonal columntarget holder is subsequently rotated and a different kind of thin filmis formed.

Iron is commonly used for the yoke and the pole piece, though anymagnetic materials can be used.

Advantage of the Invention

According to the present invention, with the highly-functionalarrangement of the pole group, magnetic flux-line patterns betweenfacing targets can be easily changed, and thus a plurality of modes offacing target sputtering such as facing target sputtering with facingmode, facing target sputtering with mixed mode composed of both facingand magnetron modes, etc. can be conveniently performed. Accordingly,when forming a multilayer film structure including magnetic material,non-magnetic material, metal material, dielectric material, etc. in thesame vacuum device using an facing target sputtering, an facing targetsputtering method can be applied effectively to each material, and thusformation of high-quality multilayer film structure can be achieved.Also, a significantly compact device can be applied to a mode of movinga yoke or a permanent magnet, and thus a plurality of modes or amultilayer thin film can be formed in a small vacuum device withoutbreaking vacuum conditions.

Further, according to the present invention, when forming a thin film ona substrate, first a thin film of initial growth layer is formed in anfacing mode, then the remaining thin film is subsequently formed in amixed mode. As such a uniform formation of thin film can be achieved ina short formation time without damaging early formed thin-film layers ina substrate material or a multilayer thin film. Furthermore, a featureof the present invention can be applied to any material of the substratesuch as transparent electrical conducting material, magnetic material,non-magnetic material, metal material, dielectric material, etc. Aboveall, without doing damage to the substrate including a heat-sensitiveand fragile material such as an organic polymeric material, etc.,high-speed formation of thin film can be achieved.

According to the present invention, high-quality and high-performanceelectronic devices can be produced in a wide range of areas in whichlow-temperature sputtering causing little damage is required. The areasinclude: organic EL element, liquid crystal belonging to the samedisplay group as organic EL element, which requires deposition oftransparent electrode ITO without causing damage due toheat-sensitivity, superconducting tunnel junction (STJ) in whichatomic-level interfacial control is required such that tunnel barrier of1 nm (nanometer) in thickness is sandwiched by both superconducting thinfilms, ferromagnetic tunnel junction in which tunnel barrier issandwiched by ferromagnetic thin films, soft X-ray reduced projectionlithography defined as semiconductor lithography technology after 70 nmrule (64 G bit Dram), multilayer X-ray mirrors required for an X-raymicroscope for characterization, LED, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of Embodiment 1-1. FIG. 1 (a) is a viewillustrating facing target sputtering with facing mode, FIG. 1( b) is aview illustrating facing target sputtering with mixed mode composed ofboth facing and magnetron modes and FIG. 1 (c) is a view illustrating amovable yoke shape.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of Embodiment 1-2. FIG. 2 (a) is a viewillustrating facing target sputtering with facing mode, FIG. 2( b) is aview illustrating facing target sputtering with mixed mode and FIG. 2(c) is a view illustrating a fixed yoke shape and a movable yoke shape.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of Embodiment 1-3. FIG. 3 (a) is a viewillustrating facing target sputtering with facing mode, FIG. 3( b) is aview illustrating facing target sputtering with mixed mode and FIG. 3(c) is a view illustrating a fixed yoke shape and a movable yoke shape.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of Embodiment 1-4. FIG. 4 (a) is a viewillustrating facing target sputtering with facing mode, FIG. 4( b) is aview illustrating facing target sputtering with mixed mode.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of Embodiment 1-5. FIG. 5 (a) is a viewillustrating facing target sputtering with facing mode, FIG. 5( b) is aview illustrating facing target sputtering with mixed mode.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of Embodiment 1-6. FIG. 6 (a) is a viewillustrating facing target sputtering with facing mode, FIG. 6( b) is aview illustrating facing target sputtering with mixed mode.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of Embodiment 1-7 in which an example ofapplying movable yokes to box targets is shown.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of Embodiment 2-1. FIG. 8 (a) is a viewillustrating facing target sputtering with facing mode, FIG. 8( b) is aview illustrating facing target sputtering with mixed mode.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of Embodiment 2-1 illustrating a control ofmagnetic flux-line patterns in the facing target sputtering with mixedmode.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of Embodiment 2-2. FIG. 10( a) is a viewillustrating facing target sputtering with facing mode, and FIG. 10( b)is a view illustrating facing target sputtering with mixed mode.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of Embodiment 2-3. FIG. 11( a) is a viewillustrating the facing target sputtering with facing mode, and FIG. 11(b) is a view illustrating facing target sputtering with mixed mode.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of Embodiment 2-4 illustrating an example ofmaking a thin film.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of Embodiment 2-5 illustrating the facingtarget sputtering with facing mode in the rotational multi-facing targetsputtering device.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of Embodiment 2-5 illustrating the facingtarget sputtering with mixed mode in the rotational multi-facing targetsputtering device.

FIG. 15 is a view of Embodiment 3-1 illustrating the principle ofconversion of sputtering modes by energizing and de-energizing a coil ofelectromagnet.

FIG. 16 is a view of Embodiment 3-2 illustrating the principle ofrotational multi-facing target sputtering device.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating the principle of the device used forEmbodiment 4.

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating the principle of ion-beam sputtering.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating the principle of two-pole sputtering.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating the principle of conventional sputtering.

FIG. 21 is a view illustrating the principle of planar magnetronsputtering.

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating the principle of facing target sputteringwith facing mode.

FIG. 22( a) is without a yoke and FIG. 22( b) is with a yoke.

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating the principle of facing target sputteringwith mixed mode when using a non-magnetic material as a target. FIG. 23(a) is without a yoke and FIG. 23(b) is with a yoke.

FIG. 24 is a view illustrating the principle of facing target sputteringwith mixed mode when using a ferromagnetic material as a target.

FIG. 24( a) is a cross-sectional view without back yokes and FIG. 24( b)is a cross-sectional view with back yokes.

FIG. 25 is a view illustrating the principle of three-dimensional facingtarget sputtering.

FIG. 26 is a view illustrating an example of making a thin film with avariety of modes (systems) arranged in parallel.

FIG. 27 is a view illustrating the principle of rotational multi-facingtarget sputtering device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Embodiment 1

Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

Sputtering in the magnetron mode, when making a magnetic circuit using aplurality of pole groups with different polarities, has the pole groupsgenerally arranged in a balanced arrangement such that strength ofmagnetic field is balanced with different polarities. According to thepresent invention, in the pole group including a magnet and a yokecontacted or proximate to each other, an outside loop magnet and a yokearranged in the center of the outside loop magnet are provided such thatnon-balanced magnetron mode is formed. Since non-balanced magnetron modeis formed, density of magnetic field can be increased in proportion tothe facing mode in the mixed mode composed of a combination of thefacing mode and the magnetron-mode.

FIG. 1 shows an example of Embodiment 1-1 according to the presentinvention. In FIG. 1, in a pole group including a magnet and a yokecontacted or proximate to each other on the rear surface of the target1, an outside loop magnet and a yoke arranged in the center of theoutside loop magnet are provided such that magnetron mode is formed. InFIG. 1, a target unit 3, composed of the target 1 and a target plate 2,is shown. A pole group, including a magnet 4 and a movable yoke 7, isarranged on the rear surface of the target unit 3. 4(N) stands for northpole of the magnet 4, 4(S) stands for south pole of the magnet 4, 7(N)stands for the movable yoke 7 magnetized in north pole, and 7(S) standsfor the movable yoke 7 magnetized in south pole respectively. Alsomagnetic flux lines 5 are shown in FIG. 1. The magnet 4 is arranged onthe rear surface of the respective target units 3 facing to each otherand magnetic flux lines 5 are generated between the targets 1 as shownin FIG. 1. The movable yoke 7 is arranged movably in a directionorthogonal to the surface of the target 1. FIG. 1( a) shows a state inwhich the movable yoke 7 is apart from the magnet 4, FIG. 1( b) shows astate in which the movable yoke 7 is contacted with the magnet 4 andFIG. 1( c) shows a shape of the movable yoke 7. According to FIG. 1( a),since movable yoke 7 is apart from the magnet 4 and the target unit 3,the movable yoke 7 does not affect the magnetic circuit and the magneticflux lines 5 are arranged in the facing mode as shown in the drawing,and thus this configuration can be used as the facing target sputteringwith facing mode. According to FIG. 1( b), since the movable yoke 7 iscontacted with the rear surface of the magnet 4, the movable yoke 7 ismagnetized into north pole 7(N) or south pole 7(S). Accordingly, themagnetic field generated at the surface of the target 1 by the movableyoke 7 is directed in a direction contrary to the magnetic fieldgenerated by the magnet 4 adjacent to the movable yoke 7, and magneticflux lines 5 are generated between the movable yoke 7 and the magnet 4as shown in the drawing. Also, the magnetic flux lines 5 are generatedbetween the facing targets 1 as shown in the drawing. Thus, thisconfiguration can be used as the facing target sputtering with mixedmode composed of a combination of the magnetron mode and the facingmode. As can be seen, with the movable yoke 7 being moved in the polegroup, the pattern of the magnetic flux lines 5 between the facingtargets 1 can be changed.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an example of Embodiment 1-2 according tothe present invention. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which part of theyoke 7 and 8 is moved. Although a whole yoke is moved in FIG. 1, theyoke is divided into the movable yoke 7 and the fixed yoke 8 and onlythe movable yoke 7 is moved in an embodiment shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2( a)shows a state in which the movable yoke 7 is apart from the magnet 4,FIG. 2( b) shows a state in which the movable yoke 7 is contacted withthe magnet 4 and FIG. 2( c) shows an example of the shapes of the fixedyoke 8 and the movable yoke 7. 8(N) stands for the fixed yoke 8magnetized into north pole, while 8(S) stands for the fixed yoke 8magnetized into south pole. FIG. 2( a) shows a state of the facingtarget sputtering with facing mode, while FIG. 2( b) shows a state ofthe facing target sputtering with mixed mode composed of a combinationof the magnetron mode and the facing mode. Part of the yoke in the polegroup is moved so that the magnetic flux-line patterns between facingtargets can be changed. The configuration can be more simplified withonly part of the yoke being movably arranged than a whole of the yoke ismovably arranged.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an example of Embodiment 1-3 according tothe present invention. FIG. 3 shows another embodiment in which part ofthe yoke 7 and 8 is moved. FIG. 3( a) shows a state in which the movableyoke 7 is apart from the magnet 4, FIG. 3( b) shows a state in which themovable yoke 7 is contacted with the magnet 4 and FIG. 3( c) shows anexample of the shapes of the fixed yoke 8 and the movable yoke 7. FIG.3( a) shows a state of the facing target sputtering with facing mode,while FIG. 3( b) shows a state of the facing target sputtering withmixed mode composed of a combination of the magnetron mode and thefacing mode. Part of the yoke in the pole group is moved so that thepattern of the magnetic flux lines between the facing targets can bechanged. FIG. 3 is different from FIG. 2 in that part of the yoke isconstantly contacted with the magnet 4 arranged behind the target unit3, thereby reducing adverse effect due to leak of magnetic flux causedby movement of part of the yoke.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an example of Embodiment 1-4 according tothe present invention. FIG. 4 has basically the same configuration asthe magnet group shown in FIG. 2, in which the pole group including themagnets 4 and the yokes 7 and 8 are arranged to form a magnetron mode.FIG. 4( a) shows a state in which the movable yokes 7 are apart from themagnets 4 and FIG. 4( b) shows a state in which the movable yokes 7 arecontacted with the magnets 4. FIG. 4( a) shows a state of the facingtarget sputtering with facing mode, while FIG. 4( b) shows a state ofthe facing target sputtering with mixed mode composed of a combinationof the magnetron mode and the facing mode. Part of the yokes 7 and 8 inthe pole group is moved so that the magnetic flux-line patterns betweenthe facing targets can be changed. FIG. 4 is different from FIG. 2 inthat a pole piece 9, which has larger cross-section than the loopmagnet, is placed contacted with the magnet on the side of the target,and thereby improving uniformity of the magnetic flux lines between thetargets. 9(N) stands for the pole piece 9 magnetized into north pole,while 9(S) stands for the pole piece 9 magnetized into south pole. Thisembodiment can be applied to a large-size target brought by a large-sizesubstrate.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an example of Embodiment 1-5 according tothe present invention. FIG. 5 shows another embodiment, which can beapplied to a large-size target brought by a large-size substrate. Thepole group including a plurality of the magnets 4 and the fixed yokes 8is arranged to form a magnetron mode. FIG. 5( a) shows a state in whichthe movable yokes 7 are apart from the magnets 4 and FIG. 5( b) shows astate in which the movable yokes 7 are contacted with the magnets 4.Further, each of the cross-sectional views shows arrangement of aplurality of the magnets 4 and the fixed yokes 8 and states ofmagnetization when the fixed yokes 8 are contacted with or apart fromthe movable yokes 7. FIG. 5( a) shows a state of the facing targetsputtering with facing mode, while FIG. 5( b) shows a state of thefacing target sputtering with mixed mode composed of a combination ofthe magnetron mode and the facing mode. Part of the yokes in the polegroup is moved so that the pattern of the magnetic flux lines 5 betweenthe facing targets can be changed.

Although the targets are squarely faced to each other according to anexample of the above embodiment, each of the facing targets can becontrolled to freely rotate at any angle so as to face the substrate,for example, as shown in FIG. 6 (Embodiment 1-6 according to the presentinvention), and thus deposition rate of the substrate can be increased.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating Embodiments 1-7. The Embodiments 1-7 showexamples in which part of the back yokes of the box-type target holder 2as shown in the patent literature 4 is the movable yoke 7. Patterns ofthe magnetic flux lines between the targets 1 can be formed as thefacing mode with the movable yoke 7 being apart from the magnets 4 andthe target holder 2, while magnetic flux-line patterns can be formed asthe mixed mode with the movable yoke 7 being contacted with or proximateto the magnet 4 and the target holder 2. Also, in this rotationalmulti-facing target sputtering device, only the sputtering facedsurfaces are changed from the facing mode to the mixed mode, while themagnetic flux mode of the non-sputtering other surfaces are controlledto stay in the magnetron mode, and thereby restraining spread ofmagnetic field outside of the target holder, which has been a problem inthe prior art. Although FIG. 7 adopts the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 asthe arrangement of the magnets and the movable yokes at the rear surfaceof the box-type target holder, the arrangements shown in FIGS. 2 to 5may also be adopted as the arrangement of the magnets, the yokes and thepole piece at the rear surface of the box-type target holder.

Embodiment 2

Next, Embodiment 2 according to an embodiment of the present inventionis described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 14.

While the magnetic flux-line patterns between the facing targets 1 arechanged by moving the yoke 7 in the Embodiment 1, the patterns of themagnetic flux lines between the facing targets 1 are changed by moving apermanent magnet in this Embodiment. FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawingsillustrating Embodiment 2-1. FIG. 8( a) shows a state in which movablemagnets 10 are apart from the target plate 2 and the magnetic flux-linepatterns between the targets 1 is formed as the facing mode, while FIG.8( b) shows a state in which the movable magnets 10 are contacted withthe target plate 2 and the patterns of the magnetic flux lines betweenthe targets 1 is formed as the mixed mode. Although the movable magnet10 is completely contacted with the target plate 2 as shown in FIG. 8(b), magnetic flux-line patterns and field intensity in the mixed modecan be controlled by controlling distance between the movable magnet 10and the target plate 2 as shown in FIG. 9. 10(N) stands for north poleof the movable magnet 10, while 10(S) stands for south pole of themovable magnet 10.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating Embodiment 2-2. Although a single fixedmagnet 4 and a single movable magnet 10 are used in the Embodiment 2-1,a combination of a plurality of fixed magnets and movable magnets may beused as shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating Embodiment 2-3. Although the targets 1are squarely faced to each other in the Embodiment 2-1, the targets 1may be inclined at any angle as shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating Embodiment 2-4, an example of a method offorming a thin film by using the facing sputtering device of theEmbodiment 2-1. The facing sputtering device shown in FIG. 8 is placedin a vacuum chamber 11 such that a thin film is formed on the substrate12. First, an initial growth layer is formed in the facing mode as shownin FIG. 12( a), then the movable magnet 10 is moved with the vacuumconditions kept in the vacuum chamber 11, changing the facing mode tothe mixed mode as shown in FIG. 12( b), and thus a thin film is furtherformed on the initial growth layer.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are views illustrating Embodiment 2-5. Embodiment 2-5shows an example in which part of the back magnets of the box-typetarget holder 2 as shown in the patent literature 4 is formed as amovable magnet 10. FIG. 13 shows an example in which the movable magnets10 are apart from the target holder 2 and the facing mode is formed,while FIG. 14 shows an example in which the movable magnets 10 arecontacted with the target holder 2 and the mixed mode is formed. Also,only the sputtering faced surfaces are changed from the facing mode tothe mixed mode, while the magnetic flux mode of the non-sputtering othersurfaces are controlled to stay in the magnetron mode, and therebyrestraining spread of magnetic field outside of the target holder, whichhas been a problem in the prior art.

Embodiment 3

Next, Embodiment 3 according to an embodiment of the present inventionis described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 16.

One of the aspects of Embodiment 3 is to promote initial growth of athin film in the facing mode and subsequently complete the formation ofthe thin film at high-speed in the mixed mode, without moving thesubstrate or breaking vacuum conditions, by using a device capable ofswitching the facing mode and the mixed mode based on energizing orde-energizing of the coil of the electromagnet arranged at the back sideof the target holder. Furthermore, a current value flowing through thecoil, that is, strength of magnetic field applied to the electromagnetcan be optimally selected depending on the material used for forming athin film by sputtering.

FIG. 15 shows the concept of this embodiment. This embodiment isEmbodiment 3-1. The target 1 and the target holder 2 are shown in thedrawing. Although two permanent magnets and a single electromagnet areshown in FIG. 15, a plurality of these magnets may be alternatelyplaced. A plurality of these magnets may be placed checkerwise. Eachpair of targets is placed face-to-face. And, the pole group respectivelyincluding the permanent magnet 4 and the electromagnet 13 is arranged atthe back side of each target. A plurality of pole groups including apermanent magnet and an electromagnet, which is composed of a core ofsoft magnetic material such as iron and a coil wound around the core,are arranged contacted with or proximate to each back side of the pairof target holders such that the permanent magnets and the coil-energizedelectromagnets are facing to each other between facing pole groups withopposite magnetic poles facing to each other so as to generate magneticflux lines 5 in different directions between the facing targets.

FIG. 15( a) shows a state in which current does not flow through a coilof electromagnet, that is, a state in which the coil is de-energized,and thus the electromagnet does not function as a magnet. As such,magnetic flux lines 5 are generated between a pair of the targets asshown in the drawing and an facing mode is formed. Generally, apermanent magnet or an iron core of electromagnet are formed in atubular shape and a rod shape, however they are shown in cross-sectionalshapes for better understanding of them in this specification.

In FIG. 15( b), the coil of electromagnet is energized such that theelectromagnet has the same polarity with that of permanent magnets in aset of the pole group at the back side of the same target holder, whilea set of the pole group between the facing targets are opposite to eachother, thereby forming an facing mode that functions as opposite poles.A current value flowing through the coil, that is, strength of magneticfield applied to the electromagnet can be optimally selected dependingon the material used for forming a thin film by sputtering.

In FIG. 15( c), the coil of electromagnet is energized such that theelectromagnet has the opposite pole with respect to permanent magnets ina set of the pole group at the back side of the same target holder,while a set of the pole group are opposite each other between the facingtargets, thereby forming a mixed mode that functions as opposite poles.A current value flowing through the coil, that is, strength of magneticfield applied to the electromagnet can be optimally selected dependingon the material used for forming a thin film by sputtering. According tothis embodiment, the coil of electromagnet is preferably energized inthe pole group such that outside tubular magnets and the electromagnetplaced in the center of the tubular magnets are in the non-balancedmagnetron mode. That is, non-balanced arrangement is formed such thatthe absolute value of field intensity of outside loop magnets is largerthan that of field intensity created by the electromagnet. As such, inthe mixed mode composed of a combination of the facing mode and themagnetron mode, even if distance between the targets is increased, fieldintensity in proportion to the facing mode can be increased, and thuseffect of confining γ electrons between the targets can be improved.

Although FIG. 15 shows that the facing targets are completely facingsquarely to each other, each of the facing targets may be freely rotatedat any angle so as to face the substrate, and thereby deposition rate ofthe substrate can be further increased.

Next, FIG. 16 shows Embodiment 3-2. FIG. 16 shows a rotationalmulti-facing target sputtering device (also referred to as polygonalcolumn target holder). As shown in the drawing, two polygonal columntarget holders are faced. The configuration of targets provided on eachof surfaces and the permanent magnet and an electromagnet at the backside of the targets is the same as the configuration, which has beendescribed above.

That is, the sputtering device for forming a thin film, in which a pairof polygonal column target holders having each of targets arranged oneach surface is rotatably disposed facing to each other with the axes ofrotation adapted to be in the same plane, is provided. A pole groupincluding a set of permanent magnets and an electromagnet is providedcontacted with or proximate to each rear surface of the target holder,and the pole groups are arranged to form a closed magnetic circuit inthe target holder. The pole group placed on each rear surface of twofacing surfaces between the facing targets is arranged to have oppositepoles each other. First, an initial growth layer is produced only with afacing target sputtering with facing mode by de-energizing thenenergizing the coils of the electromagnets such that the electromagnetshave the same polarity as the permanent magnets in a set of the polegroup on the rear surfaces of the same target holder while oppositepoles are formed between a set of the pole group of facing targets.Next, a subsequent thin film after the initial growth layer is producedwith a facing target sputtering with mixed mode by energizing the coilsof the electromagnets such that the electromagnets have opposite poleswith respect to the permanent magnets in a set of the pole group on therear surfaces of the same target holder while opposite poles are formedbetween a set of the pole group of the facing targets. A current valueflowing through the coil, that is, strength of magnetic field applied tothe electromagnet can be optimally selected depending on the materialused for forming a thin film by sputtering.

That is, in FIG. 16( a), the magnetic flux-line patterns between thefacing target holders is an facing mode without energizing the coils ofthe electromagnets. Other coils of the electromagnets are energized soas to be opposite poles with respect to the permanent magnets in a setof pole group on the same rear surface of the target holder, thusforming a magnetron mode, which restrains and converges a spread ofmagnetic field outside of the target holder, which has been a problem inprior art.

In FIG. 16 (b), the magnetic flux-line patterns between the facingtarget holders is formed in an facing mode by energizing the coils ofthe electromagnets such that the electromagnets between the facingtarget holders have the same polarity as the permanent magnets in a setof pole group on the rear surface of each target holder. Other coils ofthe electromagnets are energized so as to have opposite poles withrespect to the permanent magnets in a set of pole group on the same rearsurface of the target holder, thus forming a magnetron mode, whichrestrains a spread of magnetic field outside of the target holder, whichhas been a problem in prior art.

In FIG. 16 (c), the magnetic flux-line patterns between the facingtarget holders is formed in a mixed mode by energizing the coils of theelectromagnets such that the electromagnets between the facing targetholders have the opposite pole with respect to the permanent magnets ina set of pole group on the rear surface of each target holder. Othercoils of the electromagnets are energized so as to have opposite poleswith respect to the permanent magnets in a set of pole group on the samerear surface of the target holder, thus forming a magnetron mode, whichrestrains a spread of magnetic field outside of the target holder, whichhas been a problem in prior art.

As in the example shown in FIG. 15, a current value flowing through thecoil, that is, strength of magnetic field applied to the electromagnetcan be optimally selected depending on the material used for forming athin film by sputtering. Further, the coil of electromagnet ispreferably energized in the pole group such that outside tubular magnetsand the electromagnet placed in the center of the tubular magnets are inthe non-balanced magnetron mode. That is, non-balanced arrangement isformed such that the absolute value of field intensity of outside loopmagnets is larger than that of field intensity created by theelectromagnet. As such, in the mixed mode composed of a combination ofthe facing mode and the magnetron mode, even if distance between thetargets is increased, field intensity in proportion to the facing modecan be increased, and thus effect of confining γ electrons between thetargets can be improved.

In FIG. 16, it is shown that the axes of rotation of two polygonalcolumn rotatable target holders are arranged in parallel and the facingtargets are completely facing squarely to each other. However, theangles of axes of rotation of the target holders may be changed in thesame plane so that each of the facing targets may be freely rotated atany angle so as to face the substrate, and thereby deposition rate ofthe substrate can be further increased.

As shown in FIG. 16, initial growth of thin film is promoted with thefacing surfaces of a pair of the polygonal column target holders as anfacing mode. The advantages of using a polygonal column target holderare to improve efficiency of forming a thin film by confining magneticflux lines between adjacent permanent magnets and electromagnets in abox and preventing spread of magnetic flux lines, form a plurality ofkinds of thin films without breaking vacuum conditions provided with aplurality of kinds of targets respectively or significantly improveoperating efficiency by rotating the target holder without breakingvacuum conditions and continuing operation with a new surface when atarget is worn out after use.

Although many examples of targets squarely faced to each other are shownin Embodiment 3, embodiments are not limited to these examples. Further,in the present invention, means for changing polarity of electromagnetand strengthening or weakening magnetic flux lines is not particularlylimited and means for reversing a direction of current and changing acurrent amount is used. These methods can be adopted by usingconventional means without any limitation.

Embodiment 4

Next, Embodiment 4, an example of method of forming a thin film usingdevices shown in Embodiments 1 to 3, is described.

One of the aspects of this Embodiment is to promote an initial growth ofa thin film in an facing mode without moving the substrate or breakingvacuum conditions and subsequently complete formation of the thin filmin a mixed mode at high-speed with a device capable of switching thefacing mode and the mixed mode by moving a yoke or a permanent magnet atthe back side of the target or controlling the electromagnet.

In this embodiment, forming a thin film in the facing mode is important.Although sputtering in the facing mode is surely disadvantageous due toslow deposition rate, deposition occurs moderately so as not to dodamage to a basic substrate or previously formed thin film, or increaseheat of the substrate. Thus, the formation of thin film is completed athigh-speed in the mixed mode after a certain amount of initial growthtakes place. Since a uniform base of thin film is preliminarily formedin the facing mode, substantially no damage is caused if depositionoccurs on the initial growth layer in the mixed mode. According tofindings by inventors of the present invention, deposition in the latterhalf, if promoted in the magnetron mode, is not preferable becauseincorporation of negative ions into thin film, roughness of thin-filmsurface, mixture of atoms with the base, etc. take place.

According to this Embodiment, generally the initial growth in the facingmode may be 5 to 30% of an intended thin film. Although the initialgrowth may change depending on a sputtering material, it can berecognized by a preliminary test.

The sputtering method according to this Embodiment is preferably appliedto transparent conducting films such as ITO transparent conducting film,SnO₂ film, ZnO₂ film, IZO film, Nb or Ta doped TiO₂ film, etc., metalfilms such as Nb film, Ta film, Al film, etc., insulating films such asSiO₂ film, Al₂O₃ film, MgO film, etc. or ferromagnetic films such asCoFeB film, NiFe film, etc.

Further, it is possible to form a multilayer film structure includingtransparent conducting material, magnetic material, non-magneticmaterial, metal material, dielectric material, etc. in the same vacuumdevice. When forming a film such as an oxide film, nitride film, etc.,they can be formed with Ar gas to which optimal amount of oxygen andnitride gases are added.

Hereinafter, as an example according to this Embodiment, an example offorming a thin film of transparent-conductive film, ITO film isdescribed.

FIG. 17 shows a schematic view of the device. Any of two targets, whichare attached to facing and mixed switching cathodes, is 100 mmΦ indiameter and 5 mm in thickness, and is represented as In₂O₃-10 wt % SnO₂in composition. A total sputtering pressure is 0.5 Pa and ITO film isformed by reactive sputtering with Ar gas mixed with a small amount ofO₂ gas (O₂ partial pressure is 0.0 to 1.0×10⁻² Pa). In the facingcathode, DC applied power is 0.6 kW and the deposition rate is 60nm/min. Under this condition, the initial growth layer is deposited by10 nm, then the cathode is switched from the facing mode to the mixedmode without moving the substrate, and thereby the remaining 190 nmlayer is deposited with DC applied power of 1.0 kW at deposition rate of120 nm/min. Since no movement of the substrate is required, gas controlsystems for sputtering, provided at each of the cathodes, can be onlytwo systems in total, i.e. each single system is provided for Ar gas andO₂ gas. Both layers are deposited without heating the substrate. Theformed ITO film showed a preferable value 15.3 Ω/sq as sheet resistance.

As comparative example 1, an ITO thin-film forming method using a methodshown in FIG. 25 of the patent literature 4, in which an facing cathodeand a magnetron cathode are provided in a single vacuum chamber, isdescribed. Any of total three targets including two targets attached tothe facing cathode and one target attached to the magnetron cathode is100 mmΦ in diameter, 5 mm in thickness and is represented as In₂O₃-10 wt% SnO₂ in composition. A total sputtering pressure is 0.5 Pa and ITOfilm is formed by reactive sputtering with Ar gas mixed with a smallamount of O₂ gas (O₂ partial pressure is 0.0 to 1.0×10⁻² Pa). In thefacing cathode, DC applied power is 0.6 kW and the deposition rate is 60nm/min. Under this condition, the initial growth layer is deposited by10 nm, then the substrate is moved to above a magnetron cathode by asubstrate transfer mechanism and thereby the remaining 190 nm layer isdeposited with DC applied power of 0.4 kW at deposition rate of 180nm/min. Since movement of the substrate is required, the number of gascontrol systems for sputtering, provided at each of the cathodes, isrequired to be four in total, i.e. each single system for Ar gas and O₂gas is required to be provided for each cathode. Both layers aredeposited without heating the substrate. The formed ITO film showed apreferable value 15.6 Ω/sq as sheet resistance.

Next, as comparative example 2, an ITO thin-film forming method using amethod shown in FIG. 27 of the patent literature 4, in which an facingcathode and a mixed cathode are provided in a single vacuum chamber, isdescribed. Any of total four targets including two targets attached tothe facing cathode and two targets attached to the mixed cathode is 100mmΦ in diameter, 5 mm in thickness and is represented as In₂O₃-10 wt %SnO₂ in composition. A total sputtering pressure is 0.5 Pa and ITO filmis formed by reactive sputtering with Ar gas mixed with a small amountof O₂ gas (O₂ partial pressure is 0.0 to 1.0×10⁻² Pa). In the facingcathode, DC applied power is 0.6 kW and the deposition rate is 60nm/min. Under this condition, the initial growth layer is deposited by10 nm, then the substrate is moved to above a mixed cathode by asubstrate transfer mechanism and thereby the remaining 190 nm layer isdeposited with DC applied power of 1.0 kW at deposition rate of 120nm/min. Since movement of the substrate is required, the number of gascontrol systems for sputtering, provided at each of the cathodes, isrequired to be four in total, i.e. each single system for Ar gas and O₂gas is required to be provided for each cathode. Both layers aredeposited without heating the substrate. The formed ITO film showed apreferable value 15.3 Ω/sq as sheet resistance.

A crucial difference between this Embodiment and the comparative exampleis, when forming the same thin film, (1) chamber capacity of thisEmbodiment is less than half that of the comparative example. (2) Nosubstrate transfer mechanism is required for this Embodiment. (3) Amajor reduction in initial cost and running cost of the device, such asuse of a single gas control system or heating system for sputtering, canbe achieved in this Embodiment. Also, when forming a thin film offour-layered structure, this Embodiment, performing a rotationalmulti-facing target sputtering device with sputtering-mode switchingmechanism, requires a chamber capacity approximately less than ⅛ that ofthe comparative example, which requires four sets of a combination ofone facing cathode and one mixed cathode, and thus further initial costand running cost can be achieved in this Embodiment.

Although an example of embodiments according to the present invention isdescribed, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments,and modifications not departing from the subject matter of the presentinvention can be made and included in the scope of the presentinvention.

EXPLANATIONS OF LETTERS OR NUMERALS

-   1: target (target main body)-   1 a: target of ferromagnetic material-   2: target plate (target holder)-   3: target unit-   4: magnet-   4(N): magnet (north pole)-   4(S): magnet (south pole)-   5: magnetic flux line-   5 a: weak magnetic flux lines-   6: back yoke-   7: movable yoke-   8: fixed yoke-   9: pole piece-   10: movable magnet-   10(N): movable magnet (north pole)-   10(S): movable magnet (south pole)-   11: vacuum chamber-   12: substrate-   13: electromagnet-   14: current supply

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of sputtering comprising: providing asputtering device for forming a thin film on a substrate, comprising:first and second target holders that face each other and that are eachpolygonal; a first target formed on a holder surface of the first targetholder; a second target formed on a holder surface of the second targetholder, the second target facing the first target, wherein each of thefirst and second target holders has non-sputtering surfaces that areeach different from the holder surfaces; a first pole group including aplurality of first pole elements each having a different pole directionthan that of an adjacent one of the first pole elements, the first polegroup being arranged at a back side of the first target holder oppositeto said holder surface of the first target holder, the first pole groupincluding a movable first pole element that consists of a permanentmagnet that is movable in a first direction away from the first targetand in a second direction towards the first target, at least one of thefirst pole elements being arranged on a rear surface of the first targetholder opposite to the holder surface of the first target holder,wherein each of the first pole elements has a first end positionedcloser to the first target holder than a second end thereof and thesecond end touches only other parts of the respective first pole elementin every position of the movable first pole element; a second pole groupincluding a plurality of second pole elements each having a differentpole direction than that of an adjacent one of the second pole elements,the second pole group being arranged at a back side of the second targetholder opposite to said holder surface of the second target holder, thesecond pole elements including a movable second pole element thatconsists of a permanent magnet that is movable in a first direction awayfrom the second target and in a second direction toward the secondtarget, at least one of the second pole elements being arranged on arear surface of the second target holder opposite to the holder surfaceof the second target holder, wherein each of the second pole elementshas a first end positioned closer to the second target holder than asecond end thereof and the second end touches only other parts of therespective second pole element in every position of the movable secondpole element, wherein each of the first pole elements is disposeddirectly across from a respective one of the second pole elements andhas the first end thereof facing the first end of the respective secondpole element and the first ends have different magnetic polarities fromeach other; other pole groups each including a plurality of other poleelements that each have a different pole direction than that of anadjacent one of the other pole elements, the first pole elements, or thesecond pole elements, the other pole groups being arranged at back sidesof the non-sputtering surfaces; and a magnetic flux-line pattern controlmeans for changing magnetic flux-line patterns between the first andsecond targets by moving the movable first and second pole elements,wherein to obtain a facing mode, the magnetic flux-line pattern controlmeans controls both the movable first pole element to move in thecorresponding first direction and the movable second pole element tomove in the corresponding first direction to positions so that magneticflux-lines are formed between the first and second targets, wherein toobtain a mixed mode the magnetic flux-line pattern control meanscontrols both the movable first pole element to move in thecorresponding second direction and the movable second pole element tomove in the corresponding second direction to positions so that magneticflux-lines are formed between the first and second targets and each ofthe first and second targets has curved magnet flux-lines formedthereupon that curve back thereupon; sputtering in the facing mode so asto coat the substrate with a first layer while controlling a magneticflux mode of the non-sputtering surfaces to stay in a magnetron mode bycontrolling the other pole groups to form magnetic flux-lines on thenon-sputtering surfaces, wherein the sputtering in the facing mode isperformed by the magnetic flux-line pattern control means controllingmovement of the first and second movable pole elements in the firstdirections to adjust a polarity between the first and second targets toform the magnetic flux-lines and thereby forming the first layer as aninitial growth layer; and subsequent to the sputtering in the facingmode, sputtering in the mixed mode so as to coat the substrate with asecond layer while controlling the magnetic flux mode of thenon-sputtering surfaces to stay in the magnetron mode by controlling theother pole groups to form the magnetic flux-lines on the non-sputteringsurfaces, wherein sputtering in the mixed mode is performed by themagnetic flux-line pattern control means controlling movement of thefirst and second movable pole elements in the second directions to formthe curved magnetic flux-lines formed on the first and second targetswhile the magnetic flux-lines are also formed between the first andsecond targets.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the permanentmagnets are separable from the rear surfaces of the first and secondtarget holders by moving the permanent magnets in the first directions.3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the axes of rotation of thefirst and second target holders are arranged in a same plane, andsurfaces of the first and second targets are movable to face each otherby rotating at least one of the first and second target holders.
 4. Amethod according to claim 1, wherein the first and second target holdersform one module and the module is provided in a vacuum chamber.
 5. Amethod according to claim 1, further comprising: forming a thin film,wherein the thin film has a multi-layer film structure, and differentmaterials are used for each film, wherein a lowest layer of themulti-layer film includes the initial growth layer and forming of thesecond layer completes formation of the thin film, the method furthercomprising: rotating the first and second target holders subsequently tosputtering in the mixed mode to form other thin films.
 6. A method forsputtering a thin film on a substrate, comprising: providing asputtering device comprising: first and second target holders that faceeach other and that are each polygonal, each of the first and secondtarget holders including a holder surface and non-sputtering surfacesthat are each different from the holder surfaces; a first target formedon the holder surface of the first target holder; a second target formedon the holder surface of the second target holder, the second targetfacing the first target; a first pole group including a plurality offirst pole elements, the first pole group being arranged at a back sideof the first target holder opposite to said holder surface of the firsttarget holder, one of the first pole elements being an electromagnet, atleast one of the first pole elements being arranged on a surface of thefirst target holder opposite to the holder surface of the first targetholder; a second pole group including a plurality of second poleelements, the second pole group being arranged at a back side of thesecond target holder opposite to said holder surface of the secondtarget holder, one of the second pole elements being an electromagnet,at least one of the second pole elements being arranged on a surface ofthe second target holder opposite to the holder surface of the secondtarget holder; other pole groups each including a plurality of otherpole elements that includes a non-sputtering electromagnet, eachnon-sputtering surface having one of the other pole groups arranged at aback side thereof, wherein each of the first pole elements, except theelectromagnet of the first pole group, is disposed directly across froma respective one of the second pole elements, that is not theelectromagnet of the second pole group, and has an end facing an end ofthe respective second pole element so that the ends have differentmagnetic polarities from each other; and a magnetic flux-line patterncontrol means for changing magnetic flux-line patterns between the firstand second targets by adjusting currents through the electromagnets ofthe first and second pole groups and the non-sputtering electromagnets;sputtering to form a first layer in a first facing mode where magneticflux-lines are formed between the first and second targets, and in thefirst facing mode the magnetic flux-line pattern control means controlselectrical energy to the non-sputtering electromagnets so that eachnon-sputtering electromagnet has an opposite pole direction as that ofan adjacent pole element of the respective other pole group while noelectrical energy is sent to the electromagnets of the first and secondpole groups; sputtering to form a second layer in a second facing modewhere magnetic flux-lines are formed between the first and secondtargets, and in the second facing mode the magnetic flux-line patterncontrol means controls electrical energy to the electromagnet of thefirst pole group such that the electromagnet of the first pole group hasa same pole direction as that of an adjacent pole element of the firstpole elements, electrical energy to the electromagnet of the second polegroup such that the electromagnet of the second pole group has a samepole direction as that of an adjacent pole element of the second poleelements, and the electrical energy to the non-sputtering electromagnetsso that each non-sputtering electromagnet has the opposite poledirection as that of the adjacent pole element of the respective otherpole group; and sputtering to form a third layer in a mixed mode wheremagnetic flux-lines are formed between the first and second targets andeach of the first and second target has formed thereupon curved magnetflux-lines that curve back thereupon, the magnetic flux-line patterncontrol means controlling the electrical energy to the electromagnet ofthe first pole group such that the electromagnet of the first pole grouphas a different pole direction as that of the adjacent pole element ofthe first pole elements, the electrical energy to the electromagnet ofthe second pole group such that the electromagnet of the second polegroup has a different pole direction as that of the adjacent poleelement of the second pole elements, and the electrical energy to thenon-sputtering electromagnets so that each non-sputtering electromagnethas the opposite pole direction as that of the adjacent pole element ofthe respective other pole group.
 7. A method according to claim 6,wherein the sputtering device further includes a device configured tocontrol direction and strength of electric currents so that at least oneof magnetic polarity and strength of each of the electromagnets can bechanged.
 8. A method according to claim 6, wherein in each of the otherpole groups, each of the other pole elements has a different poledirection than that of an adjacent one of the other, first or secondpole elements.
 9. A method according to claim 6, wherein in thesputtering to form a second layer, the substrate is coated with thesecond layer and the other pole groups form magnetic flux-lines on thenon-sputtering surfaces, and wherein the sputtering to form a thirdlayer occurs after the sputtering to form a second layer, and in thesputtering to form a third layer the substrate is coated with the thirdlayer, and the other pole groups form the magnetic flux-lines on thenon-sputtering surfaces.
 10. A method according to claim 9, whereinsputtering to form a second layer includes the magnetic flux-linepattern control means controlling current to the electromagnets of thefirst and second pole groups to adjust a polarity between the first andsecond targets to form the magnetic flux-lines between the first andsecond targets and thereby forming the second layer as part of aninitial growth layer, and sputtering to form a third layer includes themagnetic flux-line pattern control means controlling current to theelectromagnets of the first and second pole groups to form the curvedmagnetic flux-lines formed on the first and second targets while themagnetic flux-lines are also formed between the first and secondtargets.
 11. A method according to claim 9, further comprising: forminga thin film, wherein the thin film has a multi-layer film structure, anddifferent materials are used for each film, wherein a lowest layer ofthe multi-layer film includes the first layer and the second layer as aninitial growth layer, and in each of the sputtering to form a firstlayer and sputtering to form a second layer the magnetic flux-linepattern control means controls currents to the electromagnets of thefirst and second pole groups to adjust a polarity between the first andsecond targets to form the magnetic flux-lines between the first andsecond targets and thereby forming the initial growth layer, andsputtering to form a third layer includes the magnetic flux-line patterncontrol means controlling currents to the electromagnets of the firstand second pole groups to form the curved magnetic flux-lines on thefirst and second targets while the magnetic flux-lines are also formedbetween the first and second targets to thereby form the third layer andcompleting formation of the thin film, the method further comprising:rotating the first and second target holders subsequently to sputteringto form the third layer in the mixed mode to form other thin films. 12.A method according to claim 6, wherein the axes of rotation of the firstand second target holders are arranged in a same plane, and surfaces ofthe first and second targets are movable to face each other by rotatingat least one of the first and second target holders.
 13. A methodaccording to claim 6, wherein the first and second target holders formone module and the module is provided in a vacuum chamber.